Convict Flees Seconds After 20 Years Jail Verdict in Gandhinagar Court

Gandhinagar | Gujarat —  In a brazen daylight escape that has sparked outrage, a 35-year-old labourer convicted of repeatedly raping a minor fled the Special POCSO Court in Gandhinagar just minutes after being sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.

The convict, identified as Lala Dangi, originally from Dahod and residing in Dholakuva, bolted from the court’s dock around 1:30 pm—moments after the judge delivered the verdict. Despite a chase by police officers, he managed to slip out of the court premises, evading capture.

“This is an unacceptable breach of security. How can a man convicted of such a heinous crime walk out of a courtroom?” fumed a senior legal activist, demanding immediate accountability.

Heinous Crime and Harsh Sentence

The case, registered at Gandhinagar Infocity Police Station, involved the rape of a 15-year-old girl, which Dangi committed despite knowing she was underage.

The Special POCSO Court awarded:20 years rigorous imprisonment under IPC Section 376 & POCSO Act Section 4, with a ₹10,000 fine (1-year simple imprisonment if unpaid),3 years imprisonment under IPC Section 366, with a ₹10,000 fine (15 days SI if unpaid),1 year imprisonment under IPC Section 363, with a ₹10,000 fine (15 days SI if unpaid)

The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to pay ₹4 lakh compensation to the survivor.

Security Questions Resurface

What makes this escape even more alarming is that court security had been tightened last year after an armed accused entered the Gandhinagar court campus in September. A sub-inspector and police personnel were assigned to guard the court gates.

Yet, in this case, those measures failed. “We were assured that such lapses would never happen again, but today’s escape proves otherwise,” a local lawyer said, visibly shaken.

Massive Manhunt Underway

Police have launched an all-out manhunt to trace Dangi, checking CCTV footage, alerting nearby police stations, and sealing potential escape routes.

“This man will be caught, and soon,” a senior police officer assured, adding that disciplinary action may follow against security staff if negligence is proven.